EAST O' THE SUN AND WEST O' THE MOON
with
OTHER NORWEGIAN FOLK TALES


Retold by Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen

Illustrated by Frederick Richardson




FOREWORD


In recent years there has been a wholesome revival of the ancient art
of story-telling. The most thoughtful, progressive educators have come
to recognize the culture value of folk and fairy stories, fables and
legends, not only as means of fostering and directing the power of the
child's imagination, but as a basis for literary interpretation and
appreciation throughout life.

This condition has given rise to a demand for the best material in each
of these several lines. Some editors have gleaned from one field; some
from several. It is the aim of this little book to bring together only
the very best from the rich stores of Norwegian folk-lore. All these
stories have been told many times by the editor to varied audiences of
children and to those who are "older grown." Each has proved its power
to make the universal appeal.